How to Safely Erect a Mobile Work Platform for Your DIY Project
Perhaps the most famous work platform is the ladder. Unfortunately more accidents are caused by improper set up and use of ladders than by any other type of faulty equipment in the construction industry. It is key to inspect your ladder before using it. When inspecting the ladder it is important to look for anything, which is out of the ordinary. Such things as a broken or missing step or rung, loose or broken end caps or foot pads, splits along the rails, loose hardware, loose joints on the folding mechanism, and rot on wooden ladders.
Before climbing a ladder make sure that it is set up properly. If the ladder is on soft ground consider placing a wide board under the ladder to provide stability. Stake the base of the ladder to ground stakes to prevent unwanted movement. Another great trick for securing a ladder is to clamp a brace board to the ladder with some clamps to provide stability.
Another mobile work platform is the scaffold structure. The most common type of scaffold is the six-foot mobile scaffold with locking casters. This type of scaffold comes in handy if you are working overhead and need to move around a lot. The key to safely using this type of work platform is to ensure that you lock the casters before climbing on the platform. Locking the wheels provides the stability and prevents the platform from moving under your weight. Also be sure to inspect the scaffold before climbing. Ensure that all the parts of the scaffold are connected and secure, with no broken clips.
The last of the mobile work platforms that are in common use is the improvised platform. Most often this type of platform consists of two stepladders placed facing each other – with a scaffold board placed between them for a work surface. Most major manufacturers of ladders warn against using their ladders in this fashion, yet if you do choose this option be aware of some simple safety guidelines. First ensure that each ladder is sound according to the ladder inspection guidelines above. The whole set up is only as safe as the weakest component on either ladder. Ensure that your scaffold board is rated for the weight, which you plan to place on it, and that the board is rated for use with ladders. Secure your scaffold board to the step on each ladder to ensure that it doesn’t shift or slip when you are on it. Keep the scaffold board to no step higher than the bottom two steps of each ladder. Keeping the scaffold board low on the ladders will provide the greatest stability by keeping the center of gravity low.
Remember that safety is a mindset that you can never relax. No matter what work platform you chose to use, never climb so high on it that it becomes top heavy or unstable. Keep both your feet firmly planted on the work platform and never lean or reach to the side, which can throw off the balance of the platform. No matter what work platform you choose to use always follow the manufacturer’s directions and safety instructions. Never use any ladder to form a work platform unless the manufacturer specifically allows for that use, and specifically states so.
